Missouri, Kansas receive poor highway safety grades in new report

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - Missouri earned a “Danger” rating and Kansas received “Caution” in a new highway safety report.

According to Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety Missouri ranked among just nine 9 states to earn the failing grade. Kansas joined 36 other states with the “Caution” rating, which indicates significant gaps in safety.

The report paints a grim picture of American roadways:

• 112 people die daily on U.S. roads
• More than 4,600 roadway deaths occurred in 2023
• Traffic fatalities have jumped 26% since 2011’s historic low
• 2.44 million people were injured in crashes in 2023
• Crashes cost $439 billion in 2023

The group noted that states earn ratings based on their adoption of 18 essential safety laws, including speeding, red-light violations, seatbelt usage and more.

“The Roadmap to Safety is a call to action for our elected officials to address the ongoing crisis of motor vehicle crashes,” said Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety president Cathy Chase.

Chase noted that the report targeted gaps lawmakers need to address in the upcoming legislative session. She emphasized the urgency: “It is go-time for safer roads.”

The organization unveiled the report on Wednesday, Dec. 3, alongside Congress members, state lawmakers and parents who lost children in traffic collisions.